Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2025

Summary

Requires the President to publish a written explanation when granting pardons, commutations, reprieves, or remissions of fines, and creates new transparency, reporting, and oversight rules around clemency. It directs the Pardon Attorney to prepare a Justice Impact Statement whenever the President is considering clemency, requires victim outreach and consultation with law enforcement, tightens lobbying disclosure rules for anyone lobbying about clemency, and mandates regular compliance studies and annual reports to Congress.

• President must publish a written explanation in the Federal Register and on the official website on the date any clemency is granted.
• Pardon Attorney must prepare a Justice Impact Statement when the President is considering clemency and deliver it to the President and Congress within 30 days (or ASAP).
• Pardon Attorney must notify and solicit written statements from victims and record opinions of relevant law enforcement officials about investigative impacts.
• Lobbying about clemency is explicitly covered by the Lobbying Disclosure Act and triggers rapid registration and reporting (2-day deadlines) with no monetary exemptions.
• DOJ and Executive Office employees must immediately notify the Pardon Attorney if they learn clemency is being considered.
• Pardon Attorney must conduct a biennial compliance study starting 180 days after enactment and send annual reports to Congress summarizing findings and recommendations.
• The Act contains a severability clause to preserve remaining provisions if any part is invalidated.
• The law increases transparency and oversight of executive clemency but adds administrative duties for federal staff and tighter compliance timelines for lobbyists.